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Barga's cathedral was built over four distinct
periods. Construction began before the year 1000.
During the 12th century, the church was enlarged
and modified in the Romanesque style and monofore
(narrow slit windows) in Egyptian alabaster were
added.

In the 13th century, the church was enlarged yet
again in keeping with the popular Gothic style of
the times. Characteristic ogive arched windows
were incorporated during this renovation.
Construction was finally completed between the
1500 and 1600 with the addition of two chapels
and the choir.

The choir area is situated behind the altar.
Above it is a niche holding a large wooden statue
of St. Christopher, patron saint of Barga. The
statue is believed to have been carved around the
year 1000. Above it is an oval glass window from
the 14th century showing the Holy Family similar
in design to that in the Convent of St. Elizabeth
in Barga and attributed to Lorenzo di
Gredi.

On each side of the choir area are two chapels.
The Holy Sacrament Chapel is on the left. Above
the altar is a painting of the Holy Virgin, with
St. Sebastian and St. Roche on each side. The
painting was commissioned in 1527 by the people
of Barga during a severe epidemic of cholera and
has been carefully restored after being found
badly neglected in the nearby Church of San
Francesco. Our Lady’s Chapel is on the
right. Above its 6th century altar is a painting
of St. Joseph, St. Roche and St. Anthony –
the background shows Barga in the 5th
century.

From the cathedral belltower the bells ring out
every hour and are heard over a radius of several
miles. The bells inspired Giovanni Pascoli to
write the poem, 'L'Ora di Barga'. The duomo
(cathedral) was damaged in the earthquake of 1920
and has since been restored. .

The pulpit (below) designed and built by
Guido Bigiarelli da Como (12th century) features
four supporting column of red marble.

The two front columns rest on statues of lions,
again symbolizing the strength of the Christian
faith. One of the lions has a dragon underneath,
symbolizing evil. The other depicts a man
caressing the lion with one hand while trying to
stab it with the other, symbolizing eretics. One
of the rear columns rests on the shoulder of a
dwarf, symbolizing the pagan world, while the
other rests on the floor.

At the rear of the pulpit is a bas-relief
depicting the prophet Isaiah's announcing of the
coming of the Messiah; on the side facing the
main door two more bas-reliefs depict the
Annunciation and the birth of Christ. The
remaining side shows the Adoration of the Three
Kings and scenes from the Gospel.

Returning to the outside of the building
(left) the adjacent terrace offers extensive
views of the town and surrounding countryside
(below right)

The visit to Barga continues on the next
page.
Please click on the 'Next' button (lower
right).